Allow me to preface this by saying: I. HATE. THE DENTIST. I'm 26 and I will tell you I have cried at the dentist as an adult. It's the most horrifying thing in the world to me and I want to be put under just for cleanings. No me gusta. (Judgements welcome.)
First off, I feel weird reviewing doctors on Yelp, even though that's kind of what this site was originally started for.. how strange. However, if you need a dentist for whatever reason, you need to go here.
I started going to Dr. Portnoff after a friend recommended her to me. I had been seeing the same dentist since I was about 9. My whole family had been seeing him; he was a family friend of ours and we trusted them. His office decor hadn't been updated since the 70s and, from what I now know about up-to-date dentist offices, I'm not so sure his equipment had been, either.
I was more than impressed walking into Dr. Portnoff's office the first time. The office is beautiful and located in one of my hometown's quaint little historic houses right on Main Street, but the office is far from old-fashioned. The walls are all a clean white and there is plenty of natural light. It's far from the morbid dentist's office that I was familiar with. (Honestly, I couldn't even believe there were current magazines in the waiting room and, if I remember correctly, a Keurig.)
The first time I went in, I was very upfront about what a wuss I am when it comes to dental exams. I'm willing to humble myself for the possibility of them being SUPER careful. They listened to my concerns and took great care to make sure I was never left in the dark.
I was blown away with their knowledge and pure professionalism, not to mention how up-to-date their practices were. I was given mouthwash and had my blood pressure checked before we began, which I've never had done for a cleaning before. They informed me that it should be standard practice as it's important to take vitals into consideration.
As they gave me the exam, they explained everything they were doing, step by step, and never once talked behind my back (as in the hygienist and the dentist while reviewing my x-rays) and made sure I understood exactly what they were looking at.
Everyone, especially Dr. Portnoff herself, was extremely kind and patient. The staff is so friendly from first impression at the scheduling desk to booking the next appointment on your way out.
I've since sent several friends there and my whole family has switched with similar reviews. Even if you live a little outside Westborough, if you've ever had an issue with a dentist before, the drive is worth it. read more